Southern Water has admitted a technical fault in its pumping system caused about 60 homes in Herne Bay town centre to be flooded with sewage-contaminated water.

The company was prosecuted by the Environment Agency at Canterbury magistrates court on Tuesday where it admitted the failure under the Environmental Protection Act.

But following representation by the Agency’s barrister Sailesh Mehta, magistrates decided their powers of a maximum fine of £5,000 were insufficient and the case was transferred to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Magistrates heard the incident happened in August 2010 after heavy rainfall. A ‘flap’ at the Kingshall Wastewater Pumping Station, which would have diverted storm water to sea, failed to open causing a backup which resulted in dozens of flooded homes in Richmond Street, Mortimer Street and Central Parade.

He said: "The sewage caused a vast amount of damage costing many thousands of pounds to clean up and compensate residents."

After the hearing the company apologised for the incident saying it took immediate action to clean up the area and affected customers.

Spokesman Sam Underwood said: "The company has since modified the way in which the site operates to make sure the sea outfall valves open in such conditions, protecting homes.

"Enhancements have also been made to the alarm and monitoring systems to reduce the likelihood of similar events occuring."

Full story in this week's Herne Bay Gazette.